5 good reasons to do Montessori training!
Montessori pedagogy is an alternative, which means that it proposes another way than traditional pedagogy.
Even if they are different, some traditional school teachers enrich their practice and apply the Montessori method with the children they teach.
What are 5 key differences between Montessori pedagogy and traditional pedagogy?
- Individual Approach: The Montessori pedagogy follows an individual approach to learning. That is, each child is given the opportunity to learn at his own pace and according to his interests. The traditional pedagogical way of teaching may perhaps be uniform, with all the students being expected to learn the same things within a given time frame.
- Prepared Environment: Montessori pedagogy uses a prepared environment; each element of the classroom is designed and prepared with great care to meet the children’s needs for independence and autonomy. Traditional pedagogy, in contrast, is very teacher-centered and has a much less adaptable classroom environment.
- Sensory Materials: The pedagogy used in Montessori employs sensory materials to help the child acquire knowledge by the use of senses in understanding the concept. Many of these self-correcting materials are designed for children to discover an abstract concept in a concrete way. In sharp contrast, traditional pedagogy depends on textbooks and lectures.
- Autonomous Learning: Montessori pedagogy encourages autonomous learning in which children are let free to explore and learn themselves. The teachers usually avoid the traditional role of a mentor and an instructor; instead, they act more as a guide and a facilitator of learning processes. Traditional pedagogy, however, is more directive, with active teachers who provide knowledge and instructions to students.
- Cooperation and Empathy Come First: Montessori pedagogy helps in enhancing cooperation and empathy among the children by making them work in a group and helping each other. In traditional pedagogy, it’s more competitive in nature; where individual achievement counts rather than cooperation and empathy.
And here are those 5 good reasons to do Montessori training!
Montessori pedagogy can be a great resource for teachers even if they do not teach in a Montessori school.
- Understanding and Respecting Child Development: The basis of the Montessori pedagogy is deep respect for child development. This kind of training will provide one with greater understanding and realization of the needs of children and how to help them reach their full potential in development.
- Adapting Learning to Each Child: Montessori pedagogy gives an opportunity for personalized learning. Each child learns according to his/her own pace, and by training in this methodology, you shall learn to adapt your teaching methodology to the needs of each child regarding his/her interest and liking.
- Encourage Independence and Autonomy: Montessori pedagogy promotes children being independent and autonomous through providing them with the tools they will need to learn independently. By being trained in the approach, you will learn how to help children be independent by taking responsibility for their learning process.
- Creation of a Positive Learning Environment: The Montessori pedagogy is respectful and caring; it builds self-confidence, self-esteem, and motivation. You will learn how to create a positive and supportive learning environment where children feel safe and encouraged.
- Appreciation of Alternative Teaching to Traditional Methods: Instead of traditional teaching methods, the pedagogics of Montessori can come into effect with lots of benefits for children. By training in this method, you will be able to propagate an alternative approach to traditional teaching and hence be of contribution to providing better-suited education to the needs of children.
